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I'm gathering up resources to share with interested folks who've never been to a protest before, does anyone have suggestions? Both general resources as well as ones relevant to our specific COVID-19 situation, too.
Adding tweets/links to this thread as I gather them up. https://twitter.com/meilixzn/status/1267168404701458432
A phone number for Chicago-specific legal aid. Make sure you have this or another number written down physically, for example on a piece of paper in your pocket or on your arm. https://twitter.com/get2thegig/status/1266748546524594178
List of things I recommended to bring, from my personal experience at past actions and synthesized from what people are saying about current events:
- two masks, so you can swap out if they get wet/sweaty/maced
- water
- something to eat, like granola bars
1/?
- two masks, so you can swap out if they get wet/sweaty/maced
- water
- something to eat, like granola bars
1/?
- prep your phone by turning off absolutely everything (bluetooth, wifi, nfc), put it in airplane mode or completely off if possible.
- phone numbers for an emergency contact and legal aid
- very practical shoes
- avoid wearing anything super identifying
2/?
- phone numbers for an emergency contact and legal aid
- very practical shoes
- avoid wearing anything super identifying
2/?
- eye protection is necessary at this point, glasses at a minimum, bring goggles if you can
- if you have space in the small bag you're bringing, a backup tshirt and bandana
- hand sanitizer
- basic first aid items if you know how to use them
3/3
- if you have space in the small bag you're bringing, a backup tshirt and bandana
- hand sanitizer
- basic first aid items if you know how to use them
3/3
Be covered up as weather allows, long pants, long sleeves. Be able to remove your layers as needed.
For white people: be prepared to put yourself between police and Black people. Don't lead chants, take your lead from Black protestors. Keep an eye on others around you and be ready to offer help. Be mentally prepared to be arrested.
And don't do that shitty "white people at protests" thing of being overly kind and nice to the cops. Super inappropriate, especially right now.
If you don't have experience at protests, one of the best things to keep in mind is to communicate and listen to others around you.
If you don't have experience at protests, one of the best things to keep in mind is to communicate and listen to others around you.
If you're going with a group of friends, be sure to establish a place where you'll meet up at a certain time, or if things escalate to a certain level. Don't assume you'll be able to use your phones or that they'll keep a charge.
Don't take photos/videos of protesters. If you absolutely have to for some reason, ask the person first.
Make sure your phone is locked with a pincode, not biometrics like a fingerprint or face ID.
Make sure your phone is locked with a pincode, not biometrics like a fingerprint or face ID.
A very important point. I'm immunocompromised, doing what I can from home. https://twitter.com/BlairImani/status/1266550199725387776
There's a lot of unclear information about water vs milk vs antacids for tear gas relief. Here's a trained street medic's take on it. Really, just use water. If you have the space in your bag, bring more water. You can drink it & also use it for this. https://twitter.com/gendervamp/status/1266985207342616578
A great thread similar to mine, with more info on tear gas. https://twitter.com/strwbrrymew/status/1265968300120436741
